1. From the end of May, some 295,000 homes along the East-West
Line (EWL) will receive information packs from SMRT entitled
“Paving the Way for Better Journeys” as part of continuing efforts
by SMRT to inform, update and educate commuters of the several rail
renewal projects.
2. Such work on SMRT’s North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL)
involve multi-year, multi-programme efforts that include changing
old wooden sleepers with concrete ones, replacing signalling
systems and renewing the Third Rail, as well as introducing new
trains to enhance the service and reliability of the NSEWL to bring
Better Journeys to all our commuters.
3. The key benefits from each of these efforts to commuters
include Smoother Rides, Shorter Waiting Times, a More Reliable
Network and More Trains (which mean higher frequency).
4. Each “Paving the Way for Better Journeys” info pack comes
with four collectible fridge magnets to commemorate these landmark
rail upgrades which are being carried out in Singapore for the
first time. The packs will be sent direct to homes along the EWL,
where multiple projects are taking place simultaneously. The
sleeper replacement work, in particular, has led to speed
restrictions at some parts of the EWL because the newly-laid
concrete sleepers need time to stabilise firmly on the track bed.
The info pack explains why the work is necessary and how it will
benefit commuters.
5. Commuters will also stand a chance of owning a
limited-edition EZ-Link card (with a stored value of $20), when
they provide their feedback on the “Better Journeys” survey,
accessible via a QR code printed on the pamphlets.
6. SMRT Trains’ Managing Director, Mr Lee Ling Wee says: ““In
total, there are about 200km of track on NSEWL to be renewed and
upgraded. Over the past two years, we have been able to carry out
these renewal and upgrade work ahead of schedule, even as we
continue to keep the network operational every day. We know that
the work has caused inconvenience to both commuters and residents
who live near MRT track. As such, I would like to express my
deepest appreciation to you for your kind understanding, patience
and support.”
7. The “Paving the Way for Better Journeys” information packs
follow a customised SMRT’s 24-page rail transformation primer,
“Your Journey Matters” which was launched in November 2015 which
explains what are the upgrades to the NSEWL, as well as how and why
it is being done. The primer also states when commuters will start
experiencing smoother and more reliable rides. The first edition is
available for download from the SMRT website. “Your Journey
Matters” will be updated later this year to capture the latest
progress made in renewing the NSEWL.
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